Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising those questions. To add to my earlier remarks, following the consultation that is currently ongoing and any necessary revisions to the draft programme that may arise from it, the final PEACE+ programme will be bought to the Government and to the Northern Ireland Executive for approval. The draft programme will subsequently be submitted to the European Commission for final approval later in 2021. I have already had several engagements with Conor Murphy, the Minister of Finance in the Northern Ireland Executive, on this issue.

The funding is provided by the Government, the UK Government and the European Union. We are confident at this point of a total envelope of in the region of €1 billion.

There are six themes in the draft programme: building peaceful and thriving communities; delivering economic regeneration and transformation; empowering and investing in young people - I thank the Deputy for highlighting the need for that aspect; healthy and inclusive communities; supporting a sustainable future; and building and embedding partnership and collaboration.

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